Of talks and primary programs

Today was our ward primary program. This being my first program while in the Primary presidency, it was a little stressful. We put together a practice/pizza party on Friday. I can't tell you how many kids didn't know their parts at that point, but it was most of them. And they had no idea when to go up to the podium. We were still working out getting kids where they needed to be to sing solos, play violins, etc. It was crazy.

But it somehow all worked out. The kids sang their best; they were fairly reverent (well, as reverent as 40 children ranging from 4-11 years old can possibly be when on display in front of 100+ attentive adults and various toddlers making googly eyes and laughing at them...that would be Brooklin, in case you're wondering), and most of them had miraculously figured out what they were supposed to say. Interestingly enough, Joe got more than a few comments about how our son apparently can't hold still to save his life. He was dancing to all of the songs. At least he wasn't trying to pretend fight with the other boys in his class like usual. I got roped into giving the introduction of the year's theme, which is "I Know My Savior Lives." I actually wrote the program, and when I presented it to the rest of the presidency, I told them I thought that one of us should introduce the theme. They said, "Oh, I'm sure you'll do a great job at it!" Thankfully, I only had to talk for a few minutes.

Other than that, Joe passed his final exam for work (Yeah!!!), so he is a full-fledged investment advisor representative. There are other designations he'd like to pursue in the future, but he can do everything he wants to for now. Now begins his hunt for clients. They even added him to their website. Check it out!

Celebrating old age (Just kidding Joe!)

I really like to tease Joe about being old. He's two years and four months older than me, which means he's ancient at 32, while I'm still in my prime at 29. And he has gray hair. I have a picture somewhere to prove it. His mentor at his new job says it makes him look distinguished. I don't know about that...

But today is his birthday, so I think I should say some nice things about him too. First of all, JOE PASSED HIS BIG TEST!!!! I'm so proud of my brilliant, hard-working, ever-patient husband for going after his dream career. Being an investment advisor is what he was made to do, and I know he'll be awesome at it. He starts bright and early tomorrow morning. Second of all, my husband is a fantastic father to our children. He sets a great example of a righteous priesthood holder in our home and helps me be a better wife and mother. Third of all, he just flat out makes me laugh. After going-on ten years together, he still surprises me with his humor and positive outlook on life.

We spent yesterday at Joe's parents' house canning applesauce. To keep things lively while we were working, Joe and his brother had a heated policital discussion about gun laws, the constitution hanging by a thread, the fact that Obama might be a terrorist (according to very reliable internet searches, according to Jeremy), and how Joe doesn't vote (not really, Joe just likes to spur his brother on). It was great fun.

Last night, we got our first date as part of a babysitting co-op. We got together with a few other couples in the ward and switch off babysitting for each other. We went bowling. I'm happy to report that I did not break any of my appendages. I did break my thumbnail in half, BUT it was much better than the last time I went and lost a toenail after I dropped a ball on it. I will not be posting my scores, but Joe got a 156!

Joe and I think this video is hilarious. http://vimeo.com/2042969 But don't watch it all the way to the end. If you get to CPS, you've gone too far. It's way funnier without that.